Travel bag

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides a travel bag comprising a main body extending from a first end to a second end, and configured to assume an extended configuration for transportation of one or more elongated articles, and a compressed configuration for use other than transportation of the elongated article, wherein a distance between the first end and the second end is larger in the extended configuration than in the compressed configuration. The disclosure further relates to methods of storing garments and methods of displaying garments.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/247,749, filed Oct. 29, 2015, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/362,041, filed Jul. 14, 2016, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a travel bag particularly suitable forcarrying elongated articles such as instruments, toys, weapons orbottles as well as articles that can be rolled-up such as yoga-pilatesmats (yoga mats, pilates mats or mats that may be used for both yoga andpilates), blueprints or garments such as suits or shirts. The disclosurefurther relates to methods of storing garments and to methods ofdisplaying garments.

BACKGROUND

Traveling by necessity or pleasure is constantly increasing. Moreover,in cities, usually people commute to work or to do different activities.Hence, the need of transport elements or bags that are practical as wellas attractive is constantly increasing.

Transport articles such as bags or suitcases traditionally have no useonce they have fulfilled the transportation task. This means that whenthey are not being used they occupy an unusable space.

Some known bags or pieces of luggage are able to reduce their size andgeometry once the transportation function is ended. However, these bagsare still unusable (i.e. do not fulfil a function) once they arereduced, and thus still occupy an unusable space. The unusable space isjust smaller than when the bags or pieces of luggage are not able toreduce their size.

A further concern nowadays is the constantly increasing use of“gadgets”, especially electronic gadgets such as mobile phones,chargers, speakers, mirrors, notebooks, tablets or similar that alsorequire space when they are not in use. These articles are usuallytransported in an additional or separate piece of luggage. However,traveling with various pieces of luggage is rather cumbersome

Furthermore, transportation of suits, jackets, dresses and garments ingeneral normally involve special packing care to avoid wrinkling of thegarments. It is known to transport these products separately in one ormore bags making travel more difficult and cumbersome. In order toreduce the folding time of garments it is also known to pack garments infoldable suitcases. However, known foldable suitcases are bulky andunhandy to carry, particularly because they have a substantially flatshape that makes them e.g. unstable in winds and difficult to carry incrowds. In fact, such bulky pieces of luggage are usually unsuitable forcarry-on items thereby defeating the purpose of keeping the garment bagwith the traveller. And still these foldable pieces of luggage do nothave a further use once the transportation is ended.

In addition, in the world of “fitness”, yoga or pilates a mat or thelike that is usually accompanied by other elements such as incensesticks, jump ropes, resistance bands, sculpting resistance bands,fitness trackers and boards with texts inspirational motives, colours orpatterns of drawings and textures or sculptures to aid concentrationusually need to be transported. These mats are usually transported underthe arm. This complicates using the hands for other nowadays necessitiessuch as writing on the phone, eating while traveling, or even carryingother things. It is known to embrace the mats with e.g. bandoliers orother types of straps. However, these straps may carry the mat but stillneed the use of further space for their storage and they do not provideprotection to the mat. A similar situation arises with e.g. big towelsused in beaches and pool areas.

The transport of these bulky articles usually goes against combiningactivities such as fitness, pilates, yoga or pool with subsequentactivities that may require more formal attire like a dinner or aconcert. In a typical situation, a mat may not be able to be carried toformal events.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a travel bag,particularly suitable for elongated articles that at least partiallyovercome some of above mentioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a travel bag is disclosed. The travel bag comprises amain body extending from a first end to a second end, and configured toassume an extended configuration for transportation of one or moreelongated articles, and a compressed configuration for use other thantransportation of the elongated article. A distance between the firstend and the second end is larger in the extended configuration than inthe compressed configuration.

According to this aspect, a travel bag being extendable is provided.This means that the travel bag provides at least two differentgeometries that may be used differently. Firstly, the extendedconfiguration that is suitable for transportation of an elongatedarticle and, secondly, the compressed configuration that may be used fordifferent alternatives that will be described later on. The extendedconfiguration may thus be defined as a function of the elongated articleto be transported.

As used herein, an elongated article encompasses in particular a longand slender article. In some cases the article per se may be slender. Inothers, it may acquire a tubular/cylindrical (slender) condition once itis e.g. rolled-up. Examples of long and slender articles may be musicalinstruments, tools, toys, guns or even bottles. Examples of articlesthat may be rolled-up and become slender may be yoga-pilates mats,towels, papers and documents, inflatable mattresses or garments such assuits, jackets, pants, coats, dresses, kanduras, thawbs, dishdashas,saris, kimonos, cheongsams, shirts, ties or any other piece of clothingthat requires transportation and may be subject to wrinkling.

As will be explained in the remainder of the present disclosure, thetravel bag may be designed for several different used. Also, the travelbag may have different main bodies, and may include various additionalelements, such as lids, handles or elements allowing grabbing andmanipulation, or closure elements. Many possible variants andpossibilities will be explained in the following non-exhaustivedescription.

In some examples, the travel bag may further comprise a first lidextending from an inner open end to an outer closed end, and a secondlid extending from an inner open end to an outer closed end. In thesecases, in the extended configuration, the main body first and secondends may be respectively connected to the inner open ends of the firstand second lids such that a substantially elongated storage housing isdefined within the main body, and in the compressed configuration, thesecond lid inner end may be connected to the first lid inner end todefine an alternative storage housing that may be smaller than theelongated storage housing within the outer ends of the first and secondlids.

In these examples, the possibility of the bag to change its geometry anddefine housings of different sizes permits the transportation of theelongated article and the introduction of less volumetric articles whenit is not being used for transportation of the elongated article. Afunction to an object that usually would be stored occupying a valuablespace is thus provided. The possibility of losing other articles canalso be reduced by storing them in the smaller housing. Or what isequivalent, this involves that the same object that initially was linkedto the transportation of an article can later on be used, eitherseparated (e.g. each lid separately) or assembled (e.g. the two lidsconnected to each other to define the minimum housing) for otherpurposes thus combining a single object (the bag) with different usesbesides the original use. This contributes to reducing space occupancy,improving logistics, being cost-effective and adapting to fast changingneeds in society.

In some examples, the bag may be in such a way that distance between anopen end and a closed end of the first and/or second lids is minimalsuch that they substantially define two opposite surfaces of asubstantially flat element. In some other examples the first lid maycomprise a substantially flat nature and the second lid may alsocomprise a substantially flat nature such that in the extendedconfiguration the substantially elongated storage housing can be definedand in the compressed configuration a substantially flat object can bedefined.

In some examples, one or more of such lids may be fully removable fromthe main body while in other examples one or more lids may be partiallyfixed to the main body. The connection between the lids and the mainbody in the areas that are not permanently attached may differ dependingon the use but could consist of zips, male-female connectors, magnets,pressure fitting, friction fitting, snap fit connectors, clipconnectors, latches, buckle connectors, electronic connectors, biometricor other password locks of any kind, rubber connectors, threads, clampsor other mechanical-based connectors, e.g. Velcro® (a hook/loopfastener). In some examples the connectors may be located at the innerend of the lids while in other examples the connectors may be located atthe outer end of the lids. In some examples the connectors may belocated at lateral sides of the lids. In other examples the connectorsmay be located in a combination of the positions hereinbefore.

In some examples, one or more lids may be fully removable from the mainbody while in other examples one or more lids may be partially fixed tothe main body.

In some examples, the first and second lids may be provided withcorresponding connectors for establishing a detachable connectionbetween each other. In some examples, the connectors may be provided attheir inner ends. In others, they may be provided at outer surface ofthe lids. Combinations thereof may also be possible.

In some examples such lids may physically and directly touch each otherwhile in other examples the lids may not have a direct physical contactbetween each other and may just be connected through one or moreappropriate corresponding connectors.

In some cases, the connectors may be selected from the group consistingof zippers, male-female connectors, magnets, knots, clasps, hooks,staples, screws, rings, straps, pressure fittings, friction fittings,snap fit connectors, clip connectors, latches, buckle connectors,electronic connectors, biometric or other password locks of any kind,rubber connectors, threads, clamps or other mechanical-based connectors,e.g. Velcro®. In some cases, the connectors may be removable from any ofthe lids or even the main body. In others, they may be fixed.Combinations thereof may also be foreseen. The selection of the typeconnector used for establishing the detachable connection between thetwo lids may depend on the final intended use for the bag in thecompressed configuration. In an example, the bag may be used as ahandbag and the connector may thus be selected so as to provide a safeand elegant closure.

In some examples, one or more of the outer ends of the first and secondlids or the lids as such may comprise an outer surface that allows thepossibility of incorporating features such as texts, diagrams, textures,drawings and patterns, technical or installation descriptions, barcodes, QR codes, art representations, logos or specific colours locatedat their outer close ends. These features may have great use forlogistics, tagging, tracking, etc. Such features may be used formarketing or for inspirational or motivational purposes as they maysupport with concentration, guidance of a particular activity orattitude during activities such as meditation or physical exercise amongothers. Such lids (or lid outer surfaces) may include other elementsthat may also be flat in nature but that may include a specific use,like digital screens, electronic ink displays, note boards, mirrors ofdifferent types, touch devices or similar.

In some examples, both lids may be flat. In these cases, the bag in thecompressed configuration may only allow storage of objects of a flatnature such as coins, bills, keys or cards. In other examples havingboth lids flat the bag may not provide any possibility of extra storagewhile in its compressed configuration but the features located at thelids outer surface may provide a further second use totally different tothe transportation activity associated with the extended configuration.

In more examples, one or more of the lids may be of a solid nature, i.e.the inner open end is filled with the same material as the outer closedend. In these examples, the lids, either independently or in combination(in the compressed configuration) may have a totally different use asthat of the bag in the extended configuration (transportation). Examplesof such uses may be yoga blocks, portable benches, step platforms,(inflatable) fitballs, balance trainers, etc.

In more examples, one or more of the lids may comprise one or moreperforations at their outer closed end to allowing air to pass through.This way ventilation during transportation is achieved thus avoidingoverheating of the transported article. Ventilation may be required fortransportation of e.g. special instruments, guns, toys or liquids.

In more examples, one or more of the outer ends of the first and secondlids may comprise an outer surface that may be flat or irregular inshape. In these cases, the outer surface may be provided with asculpture, an incense burner or pray shrines or combinations thereof.These examples may be of interest e.g. in the world of “fitness”, yogaand/or pilates in which the transport of a mat that may be rolled-up tobecome an elongated article may be combined with e.g. the burning ofincense or exposure of sculptures that are usually used in theseactivities for concentration and inspiration. In more examples, an outersurface the first and/or second lids may be coloured or may be coveredby features such as patterns of drawings, inspirational motives or textsand/or textures that may also help concentration during theseactivities.

In some examples, one or more of the first and second lids may compriseone or more power sources selected from batteries, photovoltaicchargers, piezoelectric or kinetic chargers or any other portable energydevice or power source able to charge a user electronic device. Thisprovides the bag with further alternative uses when its transportationuse is over. In some cases, the bag may also use any of these powersources when it is carrying the elongated article, i.e. when the mainbody is in the extended configuration. In an example, the power sourcemay be used to power lights, speakers, digital screens or otherelectrical components that may be incorporated into the bag. Similarly,the power source may be used to charge or provide power to externaldevices such as mobile computing devices, portable hair dryers, electricrazor, or other electrical devices.

In some examples, one or more of the first and second lids may compriseone or more electronic or digital device selected from speakers forconnecting to external or internal audio sources, media player, lights,or GPS geolocation. This provides the bag with further alternative useswhen its transportation use is over. In some cases, the bag may also useany of these electronic or digital components when it is carrying theelongated article, i.e. when the main body is in the extendedconfiguration.

In some examples, the main body may be made of a flexible and foldablematerial. In some of these cases, the main body may fit inside theminimum storage housing defined by in the compressed configuration ofthe examples comprising lids. In some examples the main body may extenddue to the weight of the lower lid. In other examples, the main body mayfurther be provided with one or more rods describing a substantiallyhelical shape to allow instant twist and fold of the main body. Thispermits a substantially instant set-up and fold-down of the main bodythus transforming the bag from the extended configuration to thecompressed configuration (and vice versa) in a rather simple and fastway, similarly to igloo tents or tipi tents. In more examples, the mainbody may consist of a flexible structure with parallel sections that arerigid or semi-rigid and that compress next to each other, similar to anaccordion, in which case the main body provides a similar transformativenature as the helical solution explained above. In more examples, thesame transformative configuration may be provided by a main body thatcontains folding lines that allow the main body to compress in athree-dimensional matter, similar to origami.

In some examples, one or more of the lids may be provided with afastening system for attachment of a handle system. This enhancesportability of the bag. In more examples, a fastening system forattachment of a handle may be provided in the main body, either in afixed or removable manner. In yet more examples, handle systems may beattached to the main body and one or more of the lids. The fasteningsystem may be provided internally or externally or combinations thereof,depending on the further intended use for the bag in the compressedconfiguration. In the examples where there is a removable fasteningsystem the connection may be selected from knots, clasp, hook, staple,screws, clips, rings, straps, Velcro®, male-female systems, magneticsolutions, zippers, male-female connectors, pressure fitting, frictionfitting, snap fit connectors, clip connectors, latches, buckleconnectors, electronic connectors, rubber connectors, threads, clamps orother mechanical-based connectors, e.g. Velcro®.

In some examples, the handle system may be adjustable in length. Thisensures adaptability of the handle system to the different size ofpeople and also allows different handling postures or conditions, e.g.hand bag or bandolier. In more examples, multiple handle systems may beprovided. Such carrying elements may comprise, but are not limited to,handles, handle straps, collapsible pull handles, shoulder straps,back-pack straps, bandoliers, cords, grips, hooks, or similar elements.They may be fixed or adjustable e.g. in length. In some examples, extrastorage areas may be provided in one or more of the handle systems. Insome examples, one or more of the handle system may have a further useonce the transportation of the elongated article is finalized. Thefurther use of one or more of the handle systems may comprise, forexample, jumping rope, resistance bands, sculpting bands, or similar.

In alternative examples, the main body and the lids may be integrallyformed. A handle system substantially as hereinbefore described mayfurther be included.

In some examples, the main body may be made of a substantially rigid orsemi-rigid material and may comprise a plurality of folding linesarranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mainbody. In these cases, in the extended configuration the main body may befolded at a portion of the folding lines such that a substantiallyelongated storage housing is defined within the main body, and, in thecompressed configuration, the main body may be folded at all or at aportion of the folding lines. In other cases the folding is such that inthe compressed configuration the main body is folded so as to define ageometry that is different to that of the extended configuration. Inthese cases, in the compressed configuration the resulting bag has ageometry and volume that allows for a secondary use. In examples, suchsecondary use may be a concentration board or a pin-up board wheredifferent yoga cards with postures or training exercises may be placed.Such a secondary use may also be an alternative bag to carry other (andsmaller) things different to the elongated article, such as shoes, amobile phone and other articles once the yoga mat that has beentransported using the extended configuration. In these examples, theextended configuration may leave the elongated article being transportedexposed to the outside without a full cover.

In some examples, the plurality of folding lines at the main body may bearranged in a triangular or trapezoidal manner so the main body folds ina similar manner as origami. In some of these cases, the main body mayfold in a tubular shape to define the extended configuration thusdefining a shell for the elongated article to be transported. In someexamples, the extended configuration may be maintained throughconnectors provided in the main body or through external connectors suchas latches or ropes. In these cases, one or more of the connectors maybe fixedly attached to the main body or they may be removable. In somecases, the connectors may be selected from zips, male-female connectors,magnets, pressure fitting, friction fitting, snap fit connectors, clipconnectors, latches, buckle connectors, electronic connectors, biometricor other password locks of any kind, rubber connectors, threads, clampsor other mechanical-based connectors, e.g. Velcro®. In some examples,one or more lids substantially as hereinbefore described may be providedto physical close the housing wherein the elongated article is to betransported when the main body is in the extended configuration. In someexamples, handle system may also be added to the main body to easetransportation.

In some of these examples, the main body may be provided with holes oreyelets. In these cases, the holes and/or eyelets may be configured toreceive a back-pack handle system. This ensures a hands freetransportation of the elongated article. In alternatives, the handlesystem may comprise a single strap or one or more handles. In somealternatives, a foldable handle system may be provided such that it maybe directly defined by the folding of the main body while in otheralternatives a separate handle system may be attached to the main body.In some particular case, the bag may be such that the main bodycomprises four or more pairs of holes or eyelets, wherein in theextended configuration two pairs are arranged at opposite sides of themain body and at the same first height along the longitudinal axis ofthe main body and the other two pairs are arranged at opposite sides ofthe main body and at the same second height along the longitudinal axisof the main body, wherein the first height is different than the secondheight.

In some of the examples comprising lids, the bag may further comprise agarment rolling guide attached to any of the lids or to the main body.When the bag is in its extended configuration, the provision of agarment rolling guide allows transportation of pieces of garment in arolled condition thus reducing wrinkling. Transporting garments in arolled up condition further contributes to optimizing the use of spaceas a rolled configuration that has a substantially overall tubularappearance may fit in a quite reduced space and at the same time therolling condition of the garment prevents wrinkling. Moreover, carryinggarments in a rolled up condition makes the transportation easier thanwith traditional garment bags. In some cases, the rolling guide may beextendable, foldable, retractable or telescopic so as to fit inside thecompressed configuration of the main body. The use of these bags mayalso be of interest e.g. for a point of sales of reduced size and highdensity of potential customers such as e.g. in airport stores or evenoutdoor spaces in which displaying of garments may be complicated. Inthese cases, provided the main body is made of a translucent material,the clothes can be exhibited while they are packed. The store can thusoptimize its use of the space, increase the number of items offered forsale, and even improve on security, as the bags substantially ashereinbefore described may be closed/lock with locking systems. Last butnot least, selling the garments inside a bag substantially ashereinbefore described involves that the customers do not need to worryabout wrinkling of the newly acquired items. In some of these examples,additional components may be added to the rolling guide, such as arolling sheet to place the garment before rolling or a clipping deviceto support the process of rolling by reducing movement of the garment.In some examples, more than one garment may be rolled up together in thesame bag substantially as hereinbefore described. If more than onegarment is rolled up, a protection sheet of light material may be usedbetween the different pieces of garment to separate them and provideextra protection. In some examples where a garment rolling sheet isprovided, the sheet may be automatically rolled-up or stretched, in afashion that is similar to projection screens or window shades. In someexamples the rolling guide may be configured to fit inside the lids whenthe main body is in the compressed configuration while in other examplesthe rolling guide may be removable. In other examples the rolling guidemay compress one or more rails, rods or bars around which a garment isto be wrapped. In some examples said rails or bars may be the samematerial of the bag while in other examples it my be differentmaterials. In some examples the garment rolling sheet further comprisesfastening members to firmly secure a garment while allow rolling thegarment.

In some examples, the main body of the bag may be provided with one ormore supplementary storage compartments. In other examples, one or moreof the lids may be provided with supplementary storage compartments.Combinations thereof may also be possible. These compartments provideextra storage capacity. In some of these examples, the supplementarystorage compartments may be internal or external or combinationsthereof. Some compartments may further be permanent while others may beremovable. Some compartments may be provided with a configuration suchthat they allow the combination of different bags as substantiallyhereinbefore described in a modular manner.

In some examples, additional components such as hooks or wheels may beattached to the lids or the main body to facilitate its storage ortransportation. In some cases, the hooks and/or the wheels may beremovable.

In a further aspect, another example of travel bag is provided. Thetravel bag may comprise a first lid extending from an inner open end toan outer closed end, and a second lid extending from an inner open endto an outer closed end, wherein the inner open ends of the first andsecond lids have a geometry defined as a function of a substantiallyrigid or semi-rigid elongated article to be transported such that theelongated article can be snap fitted inside the inner open ends. Theseexamples may be used for carrying rigid elongated articles such as aninstrument or semi-rigid articles such as yoga-pilates mat in a rolledup condition.

In some of these examples, the elongated article may comprise a rollingsheet in which a garment may be placed before rolling, with or withoutthe existence of a rolling guide. Once the garment is rolled up with therolling sheet the resulting tubular article may be connected to the lidsfor transportation substantially as hereinbefore described.

In some examples, the rolling sheet may be formed from layers ofmaterials and may be rigid or semi rigid. Such a rolling sheet may becontinuous or with folding lines to allow a tube-like form once it isrolled up.

In a still further aspect, a portable mat is provided. The portable matcomprises an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end,wherein the elongated body is made of a substantially rigid orsemi-rigid material and comprises a plurality of folding lines arrangedsubstantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the elongatedbody.

In some cases, the portable mat may comprise a plurality of rigid orsemi-rigid slats that may be held together with strops of e.g. a fabrichinge material adhered to edges of the rigid slats acting as foldinglines thus resulting in a mat that can be rolled up in a tubular-likeform. The mat may further comprise foldable handles. The mat may beconfigured to adopt different shapes by folding along a portion or thetotality of the folding lines. In a fully extended configuration the matmay be used as yoga-mat or towel and in a compressed configuration,created by folding a portion or the totality of folding lines, the matcan be converted into a bag that can be carried through the foldablehandles.

The mat may be configured to adopt different shapes and define at leastan extended configuration in which the elongated body can be laid flat,and a compressed configuration in which the elongated body is folded atthe folding lines, wherein the elongated body comprises one or morefoldable handles configured to project out of an outer surface of theelongated body when it is in the compressed configuration. According tothis aspect, by extending the foldable handles the mat can betransported in the compressed configuration and by folding the handlesthe mat can be used as a mat as such.

In some examples, the material of the main body (and/or the material ofone or more lids) may be the same throughout its length or may havedifferent materials on different parts or surfaces. In other examples,the lids may be made of the same material while in others they may bemade of different materials. In some examples, the material of the lidsand the main body may be the same, while in others such materials may bedifferent. Such materials may be selected from, but not limited to:paper, metal paper, cork, bamboo, carbon fiber, nylon, fiberglass,polyester, polymers, plastics, leather, graphite, cardboard, foam,cotton, and other fabrics, leather, wood, graphite, rubber,thermo-formable materials, elastomers, shape-memory alloys, aramidfibers (e.g. Nomex® or Kevlar®), aluminium and other lightweight metals,recycled materials, jute, composites, or combinations thereof. In somecases, the material may have flat surfaces while in others it maycomprise textures, reliefs or embossing to provide higher mechanicalresistance or non-slippery properties. In more examples, an open mesh toprovide mechanical protection may be foreseen. Such materials may beopaque, translucent or transparent. In some examples, differenttreatments or finish materials may be applied to any of the surfaces,including, but not limited to treatments for waterproofing, anti-scratchand stain resistance. In more examples, the inner surface may bedifferent than the outer surface.

In some examples, in the extended configuration the main body may have ashape having a cross-section with a shape selected from, but not limitedto, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, hexagonal, orsimilar shape. In more examples, the extended configuration may have anon-tubular design, such as a substantially conical, irregular or cubedesign. In some examples a bag substantially as hereinbefore describedmay be rigid, semi-rigid, soft-sided, flexible, or inflatable, orcombinations thereof. In some examples the bag may vary in cross-sectionalong its length.

In yet another aspect a method of storing and/or selling garments isprovided. The method comprises providing a plurality of garments,wrapping each garment into a portable bag substantially as hereinbeforedescribed, and, accommodating the bags in a horizontal configuration inrows, one next to the other and a row above the other. Packing garmentsin a rolled condition ensure minimum wrinkling of the clothing.Furthermore, the space needed for storing a rolled garment with bag issubstantially smaller than that need for an extended piece of clothing.This combination of reduced size/minimum wrinkling is of specialinterest in small stores with a high rate of potential customers such asairport stores, or in those cases where wrinkle-free clothes are given aspecial attention. The provision of e.g. mats inside the bags prior tostoring them thus reduces the risk of the mats being flattened due tothe weight of other mats being placed on top that is shown in FIG. 27.The possibility of placing other elements such as bar codes and/or tagsin the lids or the main body substantially as hereinbefore describedfurther facilitates the logistics of the storage (and transport) of thewrapped garments. Moreover, the reduced space occupied by the bags inits compressed configuration, also facilitates transportation andstorage of the bags when they are not being used for placing e.g.garments inside.

Another aspect provides a method of displaying and/or selling garmentsor other pieces of fabrics such as towels. The method comprises,providing a plurality of garments, wrapping each garment into a portablebag substantially as hereinbefore described wherein the main body of thebag is substantially translucent or transparent. The method furthercomprises hanging the bags from a bar of a display. In some examples,the display may comprise a straight or rounded bar. Again, thecombination of reduced size/minimum wrinkling provided by a garmentrolled into a bag substantially as hereinbefore described in combinationwith a translucent or transparent bag is the key to this display methodwhich is of special interest in small stores with a high rate ofpotential customers such as airport stores, touristic areas with a lotof flow of people or even for those shops or retailers whereunconventional sales methods are required.

Alternatively, an opaque bag may also be used. In these cases, an outersurface of the main body may be provided with diagrams orcharacteristics of the garment housed inside such a bag. Moreover, thetraditional method of displaying garments, especially in the case ofsuits, usually requires a back wall for them to be displayed. Thisreduces the options of displaying when no wall is available. The methodsof displaying garments substantially as hereinbefore described allowdisplaying the garments independently on the presence (or not) of a wallthus increasing the potential area for displaying.

It is yet another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention toprovide a travel bag comprising: a main body extending from a first endof said main body to a second end of said main body, and configured toassume an extended configuration for transportation of one or moreelongated articles, and a compressed configuration for use other thantransportation of the elongated article, a first lid extending from aninner open end of said first lid to an outer closed end of said firstlid, a second lid extending from an inner open end of said second lid toan outer closed end of said second lid, defining an outer surface ofsaid second lid and an inner surface of said second lid; wherein thedistance between the first end of the main body and the second end ofthe main body is larger in the extended configuration than in thecompressed configuration, wherein in the extended configuration, themain body first and second ends are respectively connected to the inneropen ends of the first and second lids such that a substantiallyelongated storage housing is defined within the main body, and whereinin the compressed configuration, the second lid inner end is connectedto the first lid inner end to define an alternative storage housing thatis smaller than the elongated storage housing within the outer ends ofthe first and second lids.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it beconstrued as being representative of the full extent and scope of thepresent invention. That is, these and other aspects and advantages willbe apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) described herein.Further, the above-described embodiments, aspects, objectives, andconfigurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will beappreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using,alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above ordescribed below. Moreover, references made herein to “the presentinvention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certainembodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily beconstrued as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. Thepresent invention is set forth in various levels of detail in theSummary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and theDetailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scopeof the present invention is intended by either the inclusion ornon-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of theInvention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become morereadily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when takentogether with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description of the invention given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1a shows a travel bag according to an example;

FIG. 1b shows a travel bag according to another example;

FIG. 2 shows the travel bag of FIG. 1a in different configurations;

FIG. 3 shows a travel bag as that of FIG. 1b in differentconfigurations;

FIG. 4 shows an example of the travel bag of FIG. 1b in differentconfigurations;

FIGS. 5a-5d show four examples of the overall appearance of a travel bagin the extended configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a mat and the travel bag of FIG. 1a in differentconfigurations;

FIG. 7 shows a mat and the travel bag of FIG. 4 in differentconfigurations;

FIG. 8 shows a person carrying the travel bag of FIG. 1a in the extendedconfiguration;

FIG. 9 shows a person using the travel bag of FIG. 1a in the compressedconfiguration;

FIG. 10a shows an exploded view of an example of the travel bag of FIG.1a in the extended configuration;

FIG. 10b shows an exploded view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 b;

FIGS. 11a-11f show further examples of the travel bags of FIGS. 1a and1b in the extended configuration;

FIGS. 12a-12d show the travel bag of FIG. 1a in the extendedconfiguration being carried by a person in different ways;

FIGS. 13a-13b show the travel bag of FIG. 1a in the compressedconfiguration being carried by a person in different ways;

FIGS. 14a-14f show examples of locking systems for the lids of the bagof FIG. 1a in the compressed configuration;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the travel bag of FIG. 1a in theextended configuration;

FIG. 16 shows examples of external supplementary storage compartments inthe travel bag of FIG. 1a in the extended configuration;

FIG. 17 shows examples of internal supplementary storage compartments inthe lids of the travel bag of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 18 shows a hanger element in the lids of the travel bag of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 19 shows a rolling garment sheet according to an example;

FIG. 20 shows an example of a garment rolling guide;

FIG. 21 shows an example of a garment rolling guide being inserted intoa travel bag;

FIG. 22 shows an example of travel bag in the extended and compressedconfigurations;

FIGS. 23a-23f show examples of travel bags of FIG. 1a in the extendedand compressed configurations;

FIGS. 24a-24d show examples of the travel bag of FIG. 1b in thecompressed configuration;

FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of a travel bag according to an example;

FIG. 26 shows a mat and the travel bag of FIG. 25 in differentconfigurations;

FIG. 27 shows a traditional storage of mats;

FIG. 28 shows a traditional display for selling garments;

FIG. 29 shows examples of locking systems for travel bags in theextended configuration;

FIG. 30 shows an example of a plurality of travel bags in the extendedconfiguration being displayed on a clothing rack;

FIG. 31 shows a flow chart of an example of a method of displaying,selling or storing yoga mats being placed in a travel bag substantiallyas hereinbefore described; and

FIG. 32 shows a flow chart of an example of a method of displaying,selling or storing garments being placed in a travel bag substantiallyas hereinbefore described.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the invention or that render other details difficult toperceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, thatthe invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following figures the same reference numbers will be usedfor matching parts.

FIG. 1a shows a travel bag 100 according to an example. The travel bag100 of this example comprises a main body 130 that may extend from afirst end 1301 to a second end 1302 to define an extended configuration.The main body 130 may further be configured to adopt a compressedconfiguration (shown in FIG. 2). The travel bag 100 may further comprisea first lid 110 that may extend from an inner open end 1101 to an outerclosed end 1102 and a second lid 120 that may extend from an inner openend 1201 to an outer closed end 1202.

The first end 1301 of the main body 130 may be connectable to the inneropen end 1101 of the first lid 110. The second end 1302 of the main body130 may be connectable to the inner open 1201 of the second lid 120. Thefirst 110 and second 120 lids may be provided with connectors 170 inorder to be connectable to the main body 130 to define the extendedconfiguration. In some cases, the connectors 170 may further be able toconnect the first 110 and second 120 lids, when the main body 130 adoptsthe compressed configuration.

In some examples, the connectors 170 may be selected from the groupconsisting of zippers, male-female connectors, magnets, pressurefitting, friction fitting, snap fit connectors, clip connectors,latches, buckle connectors, electronic connectors, rubber connectors,threads, clamps or combinations thereof.

The travel bag 110 may further comprise a handle system 150 that may beconnectable to either an outer surface of the main body first 1301 andsecond 1302 ends or to the first 110 and second 120 lids. See dashedlines of FIG. 1 a. In the example of FIG. 1a the handle system 150 is astrap. In alternative examples, the handle system may comprise more thanone straps, one or more cords, ribbons, strings, belts, chains, ropes orbands.

An outer surface of the main body 130 may further be provided withdrawings 140, texts, diagrams, textures, patterns, bar codes or logos.Alternatively, it may be coloured. In more alternatives, drawings and/ortexts and/or colouring may be provided in the lids or combinationsthereof.

The outer closed end 1102 of the first lid 110 may comprise asubstantially flat surface that may be provided with e.g. an incenseburner 116 and an area for ashes 114. In alternatives, a sculpture, amirror, a board or combinations thereof may be foreseen.

FIG. 1b shows another example of travel bag 100 that may be formed in asingle piece and comprises a main body 130 that may extend from a firstend 110 to a second end 120. The main body 130 may be made of asubstantially rigid or semi-rigid material and may comprise a pluralityof folding lines 1300 that may be arranged substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal axis A-A of the main body 130. In the example ofFIG. 1 b, the main body 130 may be folded at a portion of the foldinglines 1300 to define an extended configuration in which an elongatedstorage space for receiving a substantially elongated article isdefined. In the example of FIG. 1 b, only folding lines 1310-1316 arefolded to define the extended configuration including an elongatedstorage space within the main body 130.

In the figure on the left, a yoga mat 200 is shown that is ready to behoused inside the elongated storage space. In the figure of the right,the mat 200 is shown to be housed inside the storage space.

In the example of FIG. 1 b, the main body 130 is further provided withholes 135 that may be arranged in pairs. The holes may be configured toreceive a back-pack handle system 150. In this example, four pairs ofholes 135 may be provided. Two pairs may be arranged at opposite sides(along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of the mainbody and at the same first height H1 along the longitudinal axis A-A ofthe main body 130. The other two pairs of holes 135 may be arranged atopposite sides of the main body and at the same second height H2 alongthe longitudinal axis A-A of the main body. The first height H1 may becloser to the first end 110 and the second height H2 may be closer tothe second end 120 when the main body is in the extended configuration.In an arrangement of the main body in which the first end is a top endand the second end is a bottom end, the first height H1 is higher thanthe second height H2. In the example of FIG. 1 b, the back-pack handlesystem 150 comprises cords or ropes. In alternative examples, bands maybe foreseen. The cords, ropes or bands may be used for a different usewhen the bag is not being used for transportation. In examples, jumpingropes, fitness bands, sculpting resistance bands, resistance bands orcords may be foreseen. The cords may further serve to laterally securethe mat 200 in the storage housing as shown in the figure of the right.

The folding of lines 1313-1315 may further define a further handle 172at the first end 110 of the main body 130 in the extended configuration.The handle 172 may be form as a cut out on the rigid or semi-rigidmaterial. In other examples, other folding lines may be folded and thefurther handle may not be present. See FIG. 4 or 10 b.

In the example of FIG. 1 b, a further bending line may fold a portion ofthe main body having a substantially oval shaped cut-out 165. The cutout may serve to secure the mat 200 when it is placed inside the storagehousing and the fold portion provides stabilization to the main body.See figure on the right.

In the example of FIG. 1 b, the main body 130 may further comprise apair of foldable handles 1501 that may be configured to project out ofits outer surface when the main body 130 is in the compressedconfiguration. See FIG. 3 (numeric reference 164).

In further examples, other number of folding lines may be folded asshown in the examples of FIG. 3 or 4 to define e.g. the compressedconfiguration. In the example of FIG. 3, the main body 130 may be madeof e.g. cardboard. The figure of the right shows substantially no foldedlines, the bag is not being formed yet and may function as a towel ormat. The figure of the left shows a compressed configuration of the mainbody 130 in which all folding lines may be folded. A pair of foldablehandles 164 may further be provided configured to project out of themain body 130 outer surface when the main body 130 is in the compressedconfiguration.

FIG. 2 shows the example of FIG. 1a in three different configurations.The figure on the right shows the main body 130 in the extendedconfiguration. The lids 110 and 120 may be respectively connected toboth ends of the main body 130. In this example, a stiffening member 134may further be provided at both ends of the main body 130 to aidconnecting the ends with the lids 110 and 120. A zipper 136 may beprovided at the open ends of the lids 110, 120. A matching zipper may beprovided at the stiffening member or at the ends of the main body whenno stiffening member is provided. The zipper 136 connecting the firstlid 110 with one end of the main body 130 is also shown in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 15. In alternative examples, othermechanical closing systems may be foreseen. The stiffening member 134 isalso shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15.

In this example, the strap 150 may be in the form of a bandolier and maybe connected to the second lid 120 through a mechanical coupling such asa button/eyelet coupling 156. In alternative examples, other mechanicalcouplings may be foreseen such as clips, hook-and-loop strip, tiestrings, Velcro® or similar.

Further in this example, the main body 130 may be made of a flexible andfoldable material and may further provided with one rod 138 describing asubstantially helical shape around the flexible and foldable material toallow instant twist and fold of the main body 130. In this example, thenatural “relaxed” state of the rods may be close to their shape in theextended configuration. To obtain the compressed configuration, the bodyis compresses, and the various turns of the helical rod are pushedcloser together.

In the example of FIG. 2, the figure in the middle shows an intermediateconfiguration in which the main body is partly compressed. In this case,a storage housing (not shown) may be defined within the main body andthe lids. The storage housing having a volume that is lower than that ofthe elongated housing of the extended configuration and that is biggerthan that defined within the two lids when the main body is in thecompressed configuration. A further mechanical coupling may be providedto lock the bag in this intermediate configuration.

The figure on the left shows that the two lids 110, 120 may be connectedto each other, to define the compressed configuration. In this example,the compressed main body (not shown) may be housed within a storagehousing that may be defined by the lids 110 and 120 connected to eachother.

The example of FIG. 4 differs from the example of FIG. 1b in that thefurther handle has been removed. Furthermore, the cords have beenreplaced by a jumping rope 166. The final shape is also slightlychanged.

In this example, the figure of the bottom shows the extendedconfiguration and the figures of the top the compressed configuration.In the figure of the bottom, the first end 110 of the main body 130 maybe made by merely folding lines 1311-1313. And an outer surface of themain body may incorporate texts or diagrams 142.

In the figure of the top, the main body 130 may be in the compressedconfiguration, acting as a secondary bag for smaller articles, and thejumping rope 166 may be separated from the bag (and used). A portion ofthe outer surface of the main body may further be used as a notepad 144or as a digital screen. A further band or strap 173 may be provided toaid maintain together the main body in the compressed configuration. Andthe substantially oval shaped cut-out 165 becomes a handle.

FIGS. 5a-5d show four examples of overall appearances that a travel bagin the extended configuration may adopt. FIG. 5a shows a prismaticconfiguration having a square cross-section. FIG. 5b shows a prismaticconfiguration with a cross-section having a pentagonal shape. FIG. 5cshows a bag with a cross-section having a hexagonal shape. And FIG. 5dshows a bag with a cross-section having a circular shape. Otherpolygonal or rounded cross-sections may also be foreseen. The overallappearance of the extended configuration may thus be consideredsubstantially tubular.

FIG. 6 shows the travel bag of FIGS. 1a and 2 with a mat 200. Thesequences of figures from left to right show the steps for rolling themat and introducing it inside the bag to get ready for transport. Thefirst step starts with the bag in the compressed configuration. In thisconfiguration an incense stick 1161 may be placed in the incense burneras explained in connection with FIG. 1 a. The first step may compriserolling up the mat 200. See arrows F1. Once the mat is rolled up, thesecond step may comprise starting expansion of the main body. See arrowsF2. When the main body 130 is in the extended configuration, the thirdstep may comprise opening the first lid 110 by unzipping zipper 136 andintroduce the folded mat 200 inside the elongated storage housingdefined in the extended configuration (explained in connection with FIG.1a ). See arrows F3. The last step may comprise closing the first lid110.

FIG. 7 shows the travel bag of FIG. 4 with a mat 200. The sequences offigures from left to right show the steps for rolling up the mat andintroducing it inside the bag to get ready for transport. The first stepstarts with the bag in the compressed configuration and the strap/ropeor cords in a released configuration, i.e. being usable e.g. as ajumping rope as explained in connection with FIG. 1 b. This compressedconfiguration may allow storage or transportation of other items such asshoes 4000, cell phones 4001 or other items that might require storagewhile practicing yoga or related activities. The first step may compriserolling up the mat 200 as explained in connection with FIG. 6. Once themat is rolled up, the second step may comprise starting expansion of themain body. To do this the strap 173 needs to be unfasten and the ropemay be provided through the eyelets. When the main body 130 is in theextended configuration, the third step may comprise introducing thefolded mat 200 inside the elongated storage housing defined in theextended configuration (explained in connection with FIG. 1b ). Whendoing this, care should be taken to introduce the mat within the ovalcut-out 165 as explained in connection with FIG. 1 b, which may also actas a handle in the compressed configuration.

FIG. 8 shows a person carrying the bag of FIG. 1 a, 2 or 6 in theextended configuration being used to transport an elongated element,e.g. a yoga mat. In this example, the handle system 150 may be a belt154 that may comprise rings 169 to adjust its length.

FIG. 9 shows a person using the bag of FIG. 8. The person may actuallybe using the mat 200 for practising yoga while the bag may be in thecompressed configuration in which the incense burner 116 may be used.Furthermore small items such as keys, mobile phone, or purse may behoused inside the storage space defined by the two lids 110 and 120being fasten to each other defining the compressed configuration.

FIG. 10a shows an exploded view of the travel bag of FIG. 1 a, 2 and 6in the extended configuration. In this exploded view the connector 170of the first lid 110 may comprise a stiffening member 134 with a zipper136 and the main body first end may also comprise a stiffening member134 with a matching zipper 136. The strap 150 may be in the form of abelt 154 and may be connected to the main body through a mechanicaldetachable coupling such as a button/eyelet coupling 156. In alternativeexamples, other mechanical couplings may be foreseen such as clips,hook-and-loop strip, tie strings, Velcro® or similar. The belt 154 maybe made of textile, leather or similar. The belt may be connected to themain body with a fixed stitching 152 or similar. The stitching 152 isalso shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15. Having one end fixedand the other detachable ensures that the belt remains fixed to the mainbody but does not hinder compressing it into the small storage housingin the compressed configuration. In alternative examples, other ways ofattaching the belt or strap to the main body may be foreseen, e.g. thestrap may comprise two fixed stitching at both ends of the main body ortwo mechanical joints buttoned type or clip may be foreseen. In thesecases, the strap may be released from the main body and may have afurther use, e.g. jumping rope, resistance bands. Alternatively, twoslings or ropes may be provided such that the bag can be converted intoa back-pack.

FIG. 10b shows an exploded view of the travel bag of FIGS. 4 and 7 inthe extended configuration. The strap 173 for holding together the bagin the compressed configuration is identified and is attached to themain body (it has no use in the extended configuration). A furthertongue 171 is shown at the second end 120 which aids completing thefolding and maintaining its folded condition in the extendedconfiguration

FIG. 11a shows the example of FIG. 1b (figure on the left) in theextended configuration in which the pair of foldable handles has beenremoved.

FIGS. 11b-11f show further examples of the travel bag of FIG. 1a in theextended configuration.

FIG. 11b shows an example in which the main body (of the travel bag) assuch is left out. This way, the travel bag may comprise only a first lid110 and a second lid 120. This example may be used for transportation ofrigid or semi-rigid elongated articles such as the yoga mat in a rolledcondition. The first end 110 that may extend from an inner open end to aclosed end and the second end 120 may also extend from an inner open endto a closed end. The rolled mat may be inserted into the inner open endsof the first 110 and second 120 lids.

The lids 110 and 120 may be provided with fastening connectors 170 ableto connect each other when the mat is removed to define a compressedconfiguration.

In this example, the inner open ends of the first and second lids mayhave a geometry that may be defined as a function of the substantiallyrigid or semi-rigid elongated article to be transported, e.g. the rolledmat, such that the rolled mat can be snap fitted inside the inner openends. In alternative examples, the inner open ends of the first andsecond lids may be provided with mechanical-based fastening elementsable to fix the rolled mat (or any other elongated article) to betransported to the first and second lid.

A handle or strap 174 may further connect the first lid 110 to thesecond lid 120 to provide a handling system and more rigidity orstability to the bag in the extended configuration. A handle system 150may be provided in e.g. the first lid 110 (or in the second lid or inboth lids).

FIG. 11c and FIG. 25 or 26 show an example in which the main body may bemade of a rigid or semi-rigid foldable material such as cardboard,plastic, rubber or alike. In these examples, the main body may comprisea plurality of folding lines that may comprise a combination oftriangles forming a faceted-like surface so as to fold like an accordionor origami when the main body is in the compressed configuration. Themain body may be connectable to a first and second lid substantially asexplained in connection with FIG. 1 a, 4, 6 or 10 a. Alternatively, thefolding lines may be a series of parallel lines that may be arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body soas to fold like an accordion when the main body is in the compressedconfiguration.

The example of FIGS. 25 and 26 differ from that of FIG. 11c in that themain body and the lids may be made from a single piece. A furtherdifference is the shape of the lids. In the example of FIG. 25 the lidsare hexagonal whereas in the example of FIG. 11c the lids are circular.Other shapes may also be foreseen. In FIG. 25 the figure of the leftshows the cardboard, plastic, rubber or alike in a cut condition withthe folding lines shown in sketch or interrupted lines. In this example,the main body may have a substantially rectangular shape and the foldinglines may comprise parallel lines 230 in the direction of the longersides of the rectangular shape and parallel lines 231 in the directionof the shorter sides of the rectangular shape thus defining a pluralityof small squares. The folding lines may further comprise paralleldiagonal lines 232 traversing vertices of the squares. The figure of theright shows some folding lines in a folded condition to form the lids110, 120 and lines 230 folded to form part of the main body. Glue orother adhesive may be used to put together the side ends of the mainbody and lines in a folded condition forming the lids. Instead of glue,other components may be added to connect the side ends of the main bodywith elements such as zips, male-female connectors, magnets, pressurefitting, friction fitting, snap fit connectors, clip connectors,latches, buckle connectors, electronic connectors, biometric or otherpassword locks of any kind, rubber connectors, threads, clamps or othermechanical-based connectors, e.g. Velcro®.

FIG. 26 shows the travel bag of FIGS. 11c and 25 with a mat 200. Thesequences of figures from left to right show the steps for folding themat and introducing it inside the bag to get ready for transport. Thefirst step starts with the bag in the compressed configuration and maycomprise rolling up the mat 200. Once the mat is rolled up, the secondstep may comprise opening the first lid 110 and starting expansion ofthe main body by unfolding lines 231 and 232. When the main body 130 isan intermediate configuration between compressed configuration and theextended configuration, the third step may comprise introducing thefolded mat 200 inside the elongated storage housing defined in theintermediate configuration. The last step may comprise completingextension of the main body and closing back the first lid 110.

FIG. 11d shows the example of FIG. 1a or FIG. 6 in the extendedconfiguration in which the handle system has been removed. In thisexample, the rod 138 describing a substantially helical shape providedaround the flexible and foldable material may be provided in combinationwith joint means, e.g. a channel 139 formed by sewing a portion of aflexible material to provide housing for the rod 138. The rod 138inserted in the channel 139 is also shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 15. The channel 139 may be continuous along the rod 138 or onlylocally provided along stretches.

The example of FIG. 11e differs from that of FIG. 11d in that two rods138 may be provided describing substantially helical shapes in oppositedirections so as to create crossings 1381 between the two rods 138. Inalternative examples, instead of rods a cable or other rigid andbendable material may be used.

FIG. 11f shows an example of travel bag in which the main body maycomprise two stripes or bands 137 made of an elastic material. Suchelastic material may be capable of returning to its original length andshape due to its nature or may be deformed and extended as a result ofgravity, due to the load of the lower lid 120. The bands may extendlongitudinally to connect the first 110 and the second 120 lids todefine the extended configuration. In alternative examples, other numberof bands may be foreseen.

In all cases, an outer surface of the lids may comprise texts, diagrams,drawings, patterns, bar codes, QR codes or any type of logistic andreference code, logos, colours or textures.

FIGS. 12a-12d show different ways of carrying a travel bag substantiallyas hereinbefore described in the extended configuration by a person.

In the example of FIG. 12a a length of the belt 154 may be adjusted suchthat the bag may be carried as a bandolier.

In the example of FIGS. 12b and 12d the belt may be adjusted (e.g.through the rings 169) as a waist strap 167 and may be provided with anextension 1671 to add stability. Alternatively, a strap or grip 168 tothe leg may further be provided.

In the example of FIG. 12c the belt may be replaced by two straps orropes 166 such that the bag can be carried as a back-pack.

All these examples allow a hands free transport of the bag.

In all cases, the handle system may be folded inside the lids in thecompressed configuration or may be fully removable while in such acompressed configuration.

FIGS. 13a-13b show different ways of carrying examples of a travel bagsubstantially as hereinbefore described in the compressed configuration.In these examples, the lids 110 and/or 120 may be provided withfastening elements such that the belt (or strap) 154 used to carry thebag in the extended configuration can be adjusted to an outer surface ofone or more of the lids 110 and 120. Mechanical joints such as clips,Velcro® o buttons (156) may be foreseen. The compressed configurationcan thus become a traditional hanging bag as shown in FIG. 13a ).Alternatively, the belt or strap may be replaced by handles 164 totransform the travel bag into a grab hand bag as shown FIG. 13 b.

In all these cases, only shown in FIG. 13 b, one or more of the lids maycomprise one or more external pockets 118. The pocket 118 is also shownin FIG. 15 although in the example of FIG. 15 the pocket may be locatedinside the lid.

In the example of FIG. 16 one or more supplemental storage compartments180 may be provided in any one of the main body 130 or the first 110 andsecond 120 lids, or combinations thereof. These compartments 180 may besuitable for carrying personal objects of the user such as mobilephones, purse or keys. Other uses may also be foreseen.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of any of the lids 110 (or 120) that may beprovided with an internal pocket 118 with its own closure system 119. Inmore examples, other number of internal or external pockets may beforeseen. In yet more examples, some of these pockets may be removablyarranged, i.e. they may be stuck to an outer surface by e.g. Velcro®. Inother examples, the pocket may be permanently arranged.

FIGS. 14a-14f show examples of locking systems for the lids of a bag ofFIG. 1 a, 4, 6 or similar in the compressed configuration, i.e. lockingsystems between the first 110 and second 120 lids. As a general rule,the locking system may be visible or not depending on its own design.Examples of visible locking systems are provided in FIGS. 14a-14d andexamples of invisible locking systems are provided in FIGS. 14e and 14f. Other alternatives may also be foreseen.

In the example of FIGS. 14a and 14 b, the locking system may comprise abutton/eyelet coupling 156 in combination with one or more bands 171.The bands 171 may be sewn 152 to the lids or they may be separate. Inthe example of FIG. 14c the button coupling 156 may be tied with a cord176 or similar. In the example of FIG. 14d the locking system maycomprise an elastic band 173 that may be arranged around the two lids110 and 120 being brought together. In this example, the elastic band173 may have a further use (in combination with the transport of a mat).It may be used as a resistance band for the practise of yoga or pilates.The button coupling 156 is also shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 15.

In the example of FIG. 14 e, the locking system may comprise a matchingthread at each open end of the first 110 and second 120 lids. And, inthe example of FIG. 14 f, the locking system may comprise a pair ofmagnets 174 at each open end of the first 110 and second 120 lids.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a hanger element that may be provided in anyof the lids 110 and/or 120 of a travel bag substantially as hereinbeforedescribed. In an example, the hanger element may be a hook 124 that maybe hidden inside the outer closed end of any of the lids 110 or 120. Tohide the hook 124 a rotatory notch/cover 122 (or notch with cover) mayalso be provided. FIG. 18 further shows a sequence from left to rightshowing how the hook 124 may be extracted. The sequence starts with aclosed end of the second lid 120. The notch/cover 122 is rotated (seearrow N1) so as to discover the hook 124. In the next step, the hook 124is pivoted upwards (see arrow N2) so as to become unfolded.

FIG. 19 shows a rolling garment sheet 191 that may be used to fold agarment. The sheet 191 may be rectangular. In more examples, the sheetmay have a shape equal or similar to that of the garment to be wrapped,e.g. jacket, shirt, suit, dress. The rolling sheet may be made of aflexible or continuously bendable (in at least a primary rollingdirection) material. Alternatively, it may be provided with a pluralityof folding lines arranged perpendicularly to the primary rollingdirection. In the example of FIG. 19, a method of storing a suit 193inside a bag substantially as hereinbefore may further be explained. Thesheet 191 may be arranged horizontally, the suit 193 may be provided ontop of the sheet 191 and the arrangement sheet-suit (191+193) may berolled-up to define a tubular body that may be fitted inside a bag(shown in broken lines) substantially as hereinbefore described. Thispacking system can reduce wrinkling of the garment. This packing andtransportation of the garment may be of special interest e.g. in case oftravelling with jackets by plane or at in hot climates where the garmentcan be carried in the travel bag before a meeting and then wear it uponarrival and juts during the event, ensuring or at least enhancing thepossibility that there are no wrinkles: At the same time, saving spaceas the compressed configuration of the travel bag may be used as anelegant small accessory substantially as hereinbefore explained.

FIG. 20 shows a further example in which the rolling sheet 191 may becombined with a rolling guide. The rolling guide may be provided with aclipping system to fasten a garment to be rolled-up while it is beingrolled-up. The clipping system may comprise two bars or rods 197 and 16that are separable (see broken lines) from each other thereby fixing thesuit 193 to be wrapped. In more examples, the two bars may be replacedby one or more clips or two fixed bars at one end. The provision of twobars enhances the ironing effect of the rolled condition in a garment.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 20, the rolling sheet 191 may furthercomprise fastening members 195 to firmly secure the suit 193 while it isbeing rolled-up.

In some cases the garment rolling sheet is flexible or continuouslybendable in at least a primary rolling direction or is provided with aplurality of folding lines arranged perpendicularly to the primaryrolling direction. In other examples the rolling sheet is rigid orsemi-rigid so as to be self-held in a tubular form once it is rolled-up.In further examples the garment rolling sheet is rectangular or has ashape substantially equal to that of a garment to be wrapped, while inother examples the rolling sheet further comprises fastening members tofirmly secure a garment while allow rolling of the garment.

In more examples, a cover may be provided on top of the garment tofurther protect it while being transported. In more examples, the sheetmay comprise one or more cut-outs through which the garment to berolled-up can be at least partially inserted. And in yet more examples,a motor may be provided to automate the rolling of the sheet, similarlyto rolling window shades or projection screens.

The rolling guide may be made of bamboo, paper, metal paper, cork,carbon fiber, nylon fiberglass, polyester, polymers, leather, graphite,cotton or other fabrics, foam, cardboard, plastics, rubber,thermos-formable materials, elastomers, shape-memory alloys, aramidfibers, aluminium and other light metals, recycled materials,biodegradable materials, jute, composites or aerogels.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the garment rolling sheet with the suitbeing inserted (see arrow B) into a travel bag substantially ashereinbefore described. In this example, one of the lids may be providedwith a hanger element 199 that may be fixed or removable. Velcro®,clips, hook-and-loop string or any other closing system may be foreseenfor ensure locking of the packed suit.

The example of FIG. 22 differs from that of FIG. 1 a, 4 or 6 in that thelids 110 and 120 may be compacted, i.e. a distance between an open endand a closed end of each of the lids 110 and 120 may be minimal, or theymay even be virtually coincident. In these examples, an outer surface ofthe closed end of the lids 110 and/or 120 may comprise elements such asa mirror, note pad, digital screen or an area to expose inspirational,marketing or logistic features such as texts, diagrams, textures,drawings, patterns, bar codes, QR codes, logos or colours.

FIGS. 23a-23f show examples of travel bags in the extended andcompressed configurations showing different alternative uses of thecompressed configuration. These examples differ in the way the lids arebuilt or fitted to allow any of this or other use. In the example ofFIG. 23a at least one of the lids may be provided with an incense burner116 as explained in connection with FIG. 1 a. In the example of FIG. 23b, at least one of the lids may be provided with a speaker 302.Alternatively, one more electronic devices selected from a furtherspeaker, a media player, a geolocation device, a digital screen, alight, a plug or an electronic ink display may be provided. In theexample of FIG. 23 b, at least one of the lids may be provided with aportable battery 304 for charging electronic devices. In more examples,other power sources selected from photovoltaic chargers, piezoelectricor kinetic chargers or any other portable energy device or power sourceable to charge a user electronic device may be foreseen.

In the example of FIG. 23d at least one of the lids may be provided witha sculpture 306. In the example of FIG. 23e at least one of the lids maybe made rigid enough to be used as a seat 308. In the example of FIG.23f at least one of the lids may be made of foam or cork to provide ayoga-pilates block usually used in the practise of these activities.

FIGS. 24a-24d show examples of the travel bag of FIG. 4 or 7 in thecompressed configuration. In the example of FIG. 24 a, a portion of theouter surface of the main body may be used as a notepad 314 in a similarmanner as explained in connection with FIG. 4. This configuration mayalso function as a bag for articles that are smaller than the elongatedarticle to be carried in the extended configuration. In the example ofFIG. 24b this portion of the outer surface may be used to show a text ordrawings. FIGS. 24c and 24d show alternative uses of the ropes or cordsor bands use to close the bag in FIGS. 1 b, 4 or 7. In FIG. 24c ajumping rope 318 is shown and in FIG. 24d a resistance band 319.

In some examples, the main body may be made of transparent ortranslucent materials. FIG. 29 shows examples of bags having a main bodythat is at least partially made of a transparent or translucentmaterial. In these examples, the portion of the main body made of atransparent material is denoted with numeric reference 133 whereas theportion that is made of an opaque material is denoted with numericreference 132. A locking system 320 may further be provided. The lockingsystem 320 may be configured to authorize or control the opening of thebag.

In some examples, the locking system may comprise any of biometriclocks, digital, electronic, magnetic, mechanical password locks ornear-field communications.

In these examples, the bag may further solve a problem of displayinggarments in reduced size stores as the garments may be displayed in arolled condition hung from a relatively small display. FIG. 30 shows anexample of a plurality of bags containing, e.g. a suit, being displayedin a hung condition from a clothing rack. A mannequin may be provided ontop of the clothing rack wearing the garment that represents the styleof the rest of the garments packed and displayed in the rack. This waythe actual cloth, its texture and design can be exhibited without theneed to take out the garments from the bags.

FIGS. 27 and 28 display traditional set-ups for selling yoga-mats andgarments respectively.

FIG. 31 shows a flow chart of an example of a method of displaying orstoring yoga mats being placed in a travel bag substantially ashereinbefore described. The process starts at step 201 with a travel bagaccording to any of above examples and a yoga-pilates mat to be rolledup and store within the bag. The yoga mat is laid flat. At step 202 theyoga mat is rolled up. At step 203, the rolled yoga mat is inserted intothe bag (see e.g. FIG. 6, 7 or 26). At this point, examples of thestoring process may comprise e.g. accommodating the bags in a horizontalconfiguration in rows, one next to the other and a row above the otherand examples of a displaying process may comprise hanging the bags froma display rack.

FIG. 32 shows a flow chart of an example of a method of displayinggarments being placed in a travel bag substantially as hereinbeforedescribed. The process starts with a plurality of travel bags accordingto any of above examples and a plurality of garments, e.g. suit, shirts,dresses, jackets, to be rolled-up and stored within the bag. The firststep 301 involves laying a garment rolling sheet substantially ashereinbefore described in an extended condition, i.e. substantially flat(see FIG. 20). At step 302 a piece of garment is laid flat on therolling sheet. After this, two optional steps may follow, either aloneor in combination. In a first optional step 303, the piece of clothingis secured to the garment sheet to prevent the clothing from slippingoff or moving while rolling up. And/or in a second optional step 304,the rolling sheet is secured to a rolling guide to ensure the clothingis properly rolled-up (see FIG. 20). At step 305 independently fromsteps 303 and/or 304, the piece of clothing and garment rolling sheetare rolled-up to form a tight roll to prevent wrinkling and otherdeformations of the clothing. At step 306, the rolled garment and sheetare inserted into the bag (see e.g. FIG. 21). At this point, examples ofthe displaying process may comprise hanging the bags from a displayrack. The disclosed displaying method involves that each piece ofclothing is previously stored within the bag and then the plurality ofbags housing the pieces of clothing is hung from the display rack.

In some examples, as explained before, the bags with the mats or thepieces of clothing may be locked or sealed.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and alterations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in thefollowing claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s)described herein is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thepreceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carriedout in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and shouldnot be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or“having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the itemslisted thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

What is claimed is:
 1. A travel bag comprising: a main body extendingfrom a first end of said main body to a second end of said main body,and configured to assume an extended configuration for transportation ofone or more elongated articles, and a compressed configuration for useother than transportation of the elongated article, a first lidextending from an inner open end of said first lid to an outer closedend of said first lid, a second lid extending from an inner open end ofsaid second lid to an outer closed end of said second lid, defining anouter surface of said second lid and an inner surface of said secondlid; wherein the distance between the first end of the main body and thesecond end of the main body is larger in the extended configuration thanin the compressed configuration, wherein in the extended configuration,the main body first and second ends are respectively connected to theinner open ends of the first and second lids such that a substantiallyelongated storage housing is defined within the main body, and whereinin the compressed configuration, the second lid inner end is connectedto the first lid inner end to define an alternative storage housing thatis smaller than the elongated storage housing within the outer ends ofthe first and second lids.
 2. The travel bag of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second lids are provided with corresponding connectors forestablishing a detachable connection between each other.
 3. The travelbag of claim 1 wherein one or more of the first and second lidscomprises one or more electronic devices selected from a media player, ageolocation device, a digital screen, a light, a speaker, a plug, anelectronic ink display, or a power source.
 4. The travel bag of claim 2wherein a distance between an open end and a closed end of one of thefirst and/or second lids is minimal such that they substantially definetwo opposite surfaces of said lid as a substantially flat element. 5.The travel bag of claim 2 wherein the first lid comprises asubstantially flat nature and the second lid comprises a substantiallyflat nature such that in the extended configuration a substantiallyelongated storage housing can be defined and in the compressedconfiguration a substantially flat object can be defined.
 6. The travelbag of claim 1 wherein the outer surface of one of the first or secondlid, located at the outer closed end of said lids, is provided with anincense burner, a note pad, a mirror or combinations thereof.
 7. Thetravel bag of claim 2 wherein one or more of the first and second lidsor the main body comprises motivational, concentration, logistics ormarketing elements such as quotes, texts, drawings, diagrams ortextures, patterns, technical or installation descriptions, bar codes,QR codes, logistics codes, art representations, logos, colours orcombinations thereof.
 8. The travel bag of claim 2, wherein the firstand/or the second lids are provided with a locking system configured toauthorize or control its opening at the said detachable connectionwherein the locking system comprises any of biometric locks, digital,electronic, magnetic, mechanical password locks or near-fieldcommunications.
 9. The travel bag of claim 1, wherein one or more of thefirst and second lids comprise a further handle.
 10. The travel bag ofclaim 1, wherein one or more of the first and second lids are providedwith one or more supplementary storage compartments and wherein saidstorage compartments are permanently fixed to the lids.
 11. The travelbag of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the main body is made of aflexible and foldable material. and wherein the main body is furtherprovided with one or more rods describing a substantially helical shapeto allow instant twist and fold of the main body.
 12. The travel bag ofclaim 2, wherein at least a portion of the main body is made of a rigidor semi-rigid material provided with a plurality of folding lines. 13.The travel bag of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises two or morebands made of an elastic material, and wherein in the extendedconfiguration, said bands extend longitudinally from the first end tothe second end of the main body and they are connected to the first andthe second lids.
 14. The travel bag of claim 2, wherein an outer surfaceof the main body is provided with a fastening system for attachment of ahandle system.
 15. The travel bag of claim 2, wherein one or more of thelids are provided with a fastening system for attachment of a handlesystem.
 16. The travel bag of claim 1 further comprising a garmentrolling guide attached to any of the lids or the main body.
 17. Thetravel bag of claim 16, wherein the garment rolling guide is providedwith a garment rolling sheet and a clipping system attached to saidrolling sheet to fasten a garment to be rolled-up while it is beingrolled-up.
 18. The travel bag of claim 17, wherein the garment rollingsheet comprises means to automatically rolled-up.
 19. A method ofstoring garments comprising providing a plurality of garments, wrappingeach garment into a portable bag according to claims 1, and,accommodating the bags in a horizontal configuration in rows, one nextto the other and a row above the other.
 20. A method of displayingyoga-pilates mats comprising, providing a plurality of mats, wrappingeach mat into a portable bag according to claims 1, and the methodfurther comprises, hanging the bags from a bar of a display.